Next summer’s most anticipated blockbuster is upon us.
These recent on-set photos suggest that the big screen adaptation of The Lone Ranger will be filled with action.
Seen grappling with chains while dressed in a Native American costume as Tonto, Johnny Depp was captured filming an action-packed scene alongside co-star Armie Hammer, who portrays the Lone Ranger.
Filming took place in Los Angeles, where the actors were seen executing a scene where they find themselves chained to a railway line, in front of a blue screen.
Beginning their work on the adaptation of the Fifties TV show, Johnny, 49, and Armie, 26, teamed up with director Gore Verbinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer in February at their New Mexico location.
Originating from a radio show in 1933, The Lone Ranger transitioned to a black and white TV series in 1949, featuring Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels as Tonto.
Previous attempts to create Lone Ranger films occurred in 1981 and with a TV movie in 2003, but neither was as well received by fans as hoped.
The journey to this film has been lengthy; Columbia Pictures and Classic Media first expressed their interest in making a Lone Ranger film back in 2002.
Years later, in 2008, Disney confirmed that Depp had been cast as Tonto after the project had been stuck in development.
Alongside Depp, the film also features Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Wilkinson, and Ruth Wilson.
Depp has shared insights about his Native American ancestry.
He stated: ‘My great-grandmother had considerable Native American lineage, having grown up as Cherokee or possibly Creek Indian. It aligns with my Kentucky roots, an area abundant with Cherokee and Creek.’
Once he was cast as Tonto—a fictional character of the Comanche Nation—he received an official invitation to become a member of the real-life tribe of the same name.
According to LaDonna Harris, President of Americans for Indian Opportunity, ‘Johnny is taking on the historic role of Tonto, making it a natural choice to welcome him into our Comanche family.’
‘I reached out, and Johnny was very open to the idea. He appeared proud to accept the invitation, and we felt honored by his enthusiastic agreement.’
The film is anticipated for release in the summer of 2013.
by Helena Bryanlith
